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7.5: Software Simulation Tools

  • Page ID
    88179
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    There are numerous tools designed specifically for the simulation of computer screens by recording screen interactions. For example:

    • Adobe Captivate (formerly Macromedia RoboDemo)
    • TechSmith Camtasia
    • Qarbon ViewletBuilder

    Many of these also do PowerPoint to Flash conversion.

    Test and Assessment Tools

    Most course authoring tools can create and deliver tests and quizzes as part of the courses. Instructors may also want use test banks that publishers provide, and/or other, more powerful tools built specifically for testing. For example:

    • Questionmark Perception
    • Respondus
    • Hot Potatoes

    There are well over 100 available sources for software that can be categorized as course authoring tools. When choosing an LMS, be sure that it can support any third-party generic courseware or content authoring tools being used. Particular attention should be paid to the LMS’s ability to launch the courses, and track and record interactions and responses to quizzes. Support for standards helps, but it is no guarantee. You should test the LMS with the tools and courseware that you will be using. You should also determine how accessible the file formats are for students with disabilities. (See Chapter 11, Accessibility and Universal Design, for more information about accessibility.)

    Tip

    Be careful with rapid development tools. Speed of delivery can be very important but make sure you are not just making bad Word or PowerPoint documentation into even worse e-learning courses.


    This page titled 7.5: Software Simulation Tools is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Sandy Hirtz (BCcampus) .

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